Helping you make a memorable marriage proposal

Month: September 2012

This month destination wedding site MarryAbroad.co.uk has surveyed its UK couples database, and found that 40% of those choosing a wedding overseas already have children.

And the site’s wedding planners, based in both long and short haul destinations, typically found that over 5years, they have seen on average a 17% increase of couples with children or step-children, getting hitched.

Joint Founder Steph Bishop perceives this trend, currently big in the wedding industry, to be especially suited to destination weddings – as couples often will combine their wedding with a family holiday.

Bishop states: “We are seeing couples choose child-friendly resorts more and more often, and sometimes even combine their wedding with a christening event too”.

Up to 80% of wedding couples staying at Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece, use the facilities of the kids club and crèche, according to Anna Wohlfart, Wedding Coordinator. And on the actual wedding day, many couples book a babysitter during their evening celebrations – giving them time to enjoy the event, in the knowledge their children are safe and sound.

2. Consider the weather

For example, it is best to avoid Thailand in the hottest months of April and May – when humidity is at its highest, when marrying with small children. In Southern Europe, avoid the heat of a hot summer’s day, and choose the morning or early evening for the ceremony.

3. Timings

For long haul destination weddings, try if possible to arrive a week before the actual day, so that kids can acclimatise slowly and get over jet lag.

4. Water

Make sure children stay hydrated. Include lots of pool and beach time to keep them cool!

5. Get the children involved

Try to involve children with the ceremony as much as possible, as ring carriers and flower girls.

6. Food

Arrange a familiar feast for children, speaking to the wedding planner in advance to ensure children have food they will recognise on the day. And don’t forget the seating – wedding planners can also arrange for smaller seats, tables and high-chairs for kids.

7. Clothing

If children are dressing up; remember that heavy dresses or suits in a hot country can be uncomfortable.

8. Older Children

Thai wedding planner Creative Events Asia wedding found that this year, 15% of bookings were for couples remarrying, with older children. If taking teenagers away and it is within budget, let them take a friend along for company.

9. Keepsakes

Angelina Jolie is famously marrying a certain Mr Pitt this year, and reportedly has commissioned individually designed jewellery, for all of her six children – as keepsakes on their special day. Make like Angelina, and buy something a little special for children to give them at the ceremony, that will remind them of the wedding for years to come.

10. End the night with a bang

Fireworks on the beach and lantern releasing, is always a huge hit with children!

For more information, please visit www.MarryAbroad.co.uk or visit them on stand A54 at the National Wedding Show, Earls Court, London, 28-30 September 2012.

TV sensation Franc is the star of the show at Confetti Live! coming to Kilkenny’s The Hub this October 13th & 14th.

Ireland’s sassiest, classiest wedding fair, Confetti Live! promises to be the most spectacular wedding event for brides and grooms-to-be in the Kilkenny region.

Whether you’re engaged, have just popped the question or are deep in the organisation process, there’ll be something for everyone. Bring your bridesmaids, mum, dad and sisters – there’s something for everyone at Confetti Live!

You can also expect to meet and chat with vendors and discover offers from a whole range of products and service suppliers including venues, food, favours and wine; bridal shops, dresses and grooms suiting; shoes, accessories and beauty; travel, honeymoons and weddings abroad; cars, wedding bands, DJs and soloists plus pre-marriage courses and advice.

Confetti Live! Kilkenny will also feature a number of live audiences with Franc each day, where he will dispense his words of advice and wisdom gleaned from his many years in the planning and organising of stylish, exclusive and exceptional weddings worldwide.

Then relax and watch fantastic catwalk shows, professionally produced and staged, starring models from the Andrea Roche Model Agency, featuring gorgeous gowns available from stockists exhibiting at the show.

Ahead of the event brides-to-be in the Kilkenny area have a fantastic opportunity to avail of discounted tickets to Confetti Live! if they book online before the event. Just visit www.confettilive.ie to get yours now!